Since the mission has been operating for the past few months, the ribboncutting really recognized the growing importance of U.S.-Vietnam diplomaticand economic relations by USAID's commitment to a locally run mission. Beforethat, the mission was a regional office, managed by USAID's bureau inThailand.

Health care, education and the environment were among the issues theadministrator and prime minister discussed with Vietnamese officials. Forealso met with more than a dozen women holding prominent positions in business,health, education and law to gain their insights on how well women areadvancing under Vietnam's growing prosperity. The administrator also visitedUSAID-supported HIV/AIDS and methadone clinics.

Vietnam's effort to rapidly move toward a market-driven economy hasdecreased poverty more than 30 percent among that nation's 84 million people.

Still, problems persist.

Needle-using drug abusers are keeping HIV/AIDS at epidemic levels and analarming amount of human trafficking continues. USAID-sponsored businesspartnerships, however, have made strides in boosting Vietnam's economy.Microsoft, Intel and Qualcomm have brought wireless Internet connections torural areas and schools while Masterfoods and the World Cocoa Foundationincreased coca production and trade in the nation's Mekong Delta and Centralhighlands.

Nearly $100 million in assistance is slated for Vietnam this year, up from$59 million in 2007 and $37 million in 2006.

For more information about the USAID and its programs in Vietnam, pleasevisit www.usaid.gov.

The American people, through the U.S. Agency for InternationalDevelopment, have provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide fornearly 50 years.

Public Information: 202-712-4810

SOURCE USAID